Nectarine Tree, BURNECTTWENTYNINE

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree ( Prunus persica  sub species  nuciperisica ), and which is denominated varietally as ‘Burnecttwentynine’, and which further produces an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, non-melting, acidic clingstone nectarine, which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately June 7 to June 15 under ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

BOTANICAL DESIGNATION

The present invention relates to a new, novel and distinct variety of nectarine tree, ‘Prunus persica’ (subspecies nucipersica).

VARIETAL DENOMINATION

‘Burnecttwentynine.’

The present variety of nectarine tree resulted from an on-going program of fruit and nut tree breeding. The purpose of this program is to improve the commercial quality of available deciduous fruit and nut varieties, and rootstocks, by creating and releasing promising selections of prunus, malus, punica and regia species. To this end we make both controlled and hybrid cross pollinations each year in order to produce seedling populations from which improved progenies are evaluated and selected.

The seedling ‘Burnecttwentynine’ was originated by us from a population of seedlings grown in our experimental orchards which are located near Fowler, Calif. The seedlings, grown on their own roots, were the result of a controlled cross made in February of 2007, of the yellow-fleshed nectarine tree, ‘Brnecttwentyfour’ (U.S. Pat. No. 21,724), which was the pollen parent; and the yellow-fleshed seedling nectarine tree, ‘J2.035’ (unpatented), and which was used as the seed parent. One seedling which are identified as ‘N30.022,’ and which is the present variety, exhibited especially desirable characteristics, and was marked for subsequent observation. After the 2009 fruiting season, the new, present variety, was selected for advanced evaluation and repropagation.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual reproduction of a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree was accomplished by budding the new nectarine tree to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented). This was performed by us in our experimental orchard which is located near Fowler, Calif. Subsequent evaluations have shown those asexual reproductions run true to the original tree. All characteristics of the original tree, and its fruit, were established, and appear to be transmitted through succeeding asexual propagations. We have observed fruit produced by the aforementioned trees for the past 4 successive years from 15 of these trees.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

‘Burnecttwentynine’ is a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, which is considered of large size, and which has vigorous growth. This new nectarine tree variety is also a regular and productive bearer of relatively large, firm, acidic, yellow fleshed, and melting clingstone fruit which have good flavor and eating quality. The tree of the present variety displays a medium chilling requirement of approximately 450 hours. Still further, the present tree also produces relatively uniformly sized fruit throughout the canopy of the tree. Additionally, the fruit produced by the present tree has a very high degree of red skin coloration, a firm flesh, and further appears to have good handling and shipping qualities. The ‘Burnecttwentynine’ Nectarine tree bears fruit which are ripe for commercial harvesting and shipment on approximately June 7 to June 15 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. In relative comparison to the seed parent tree ‘J2.035’, (unpatented) the present new variety ripens 12-15 days later. In relative comparison to the pollen parent, ‘Burnecttwentyfour’, the present, new variety ripens 7-10 days later. In relative comparison to the nectarine tree, ‘Diamond Bright’ (U.S. Pat. No. 9,495), and which is the most similar commercial variety known to the breeders at this time, the new, present variety is both larger and develops less surface russeting. Additionally, the current variety displays a more consistent fruit set from which to better select fruiting positions, and fruit numbers per tree, than that displayed by the ‘Diamond Bright’ nectarine tree.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawing, which is provided, is a color photograph of the new variety of nectarine tree. The photograph depicts two whole mature fruit displaying both the apical and basal aspects thereof. One mature fruit is shown, and which is dissected sagittally with a segment removed from the sutorial plane, and is further viewed from the apical perspective, so as to reveal the flesh characteristics. The external coloration of the fruit, as shown in this photograph, is sufficiently matured for harvesting and shipment. The colors in the photograph are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type. Due to chemical development, processing, and printing the fruit depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate when compared to the actual specimen. For this reason, future color references should be made to the color plates (Royal Horticultural Society, Fourth Edition, 2001) and the other descriptions as provided hereinafter.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The following detailed description has been prepared to solely comply with the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, and does not constitute a commercial warranty, (either expressed or implied), that the present variety will in the future display all the botanical, pomological or other characteristics as set forth, hereinafter. Therefore, this disclosure may not be relied upon to support any future legal claims including, but not limited to, breach of warranty of merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose, or non-infringement which is directed, in whole, or in part, to the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological and botanical details of this new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, the following has been observed during the fourth fruiting season under the ecological conditions prevailing at our orchards which are located near the town of Fowler, county of Fresno, state of California. All major color code designations are by reference to the RHS Colour Chart (Fourth Edition) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. Common color names are also occasionally used.

-   Tree:     -   -   Size.—Generally — Considered medium-large as compared to             other common commercial nectarine cultivars ripening in the             early season of maturity. The tree of the present variety             was pruned to a height of approximately 305.0 cm to about             310.0 cm at maturity.         -   Tree height.—approximately 300.0 cm.         -   Canopy width.—approximately 305.0 cm.         -   Vigor.—Considered vigorous. The present variety grew from             about 190.0 cm to 205.0 cm in height during the first             growing season. The new nectarine tree variety was further             pruned to a height of approximately 150.0 cm during the             first dormant season, and primary scaffolds were then             selected for the resulting and desired tree structure.         -   Productivity.—Productive. The fruit set varies from 4.0 to             several times more than the desired crop load. The fruit set             is determined, at least in part, by thinning to develop the             remaining fruit into the desired market sized fruit. The             number of fruit in the fruit set varies with the prevailing             climatic conditions, and the cultural practices employed             during the bloom period, and is therefore not distinctive of             this new variety.         -   Fruit bearing.—Regular. The resulting fruit set has been             heavy, and significant thinning was necessary during the             past 4 years on the previously mentioned propagated trees.         -   Tree form.—Upright, and pruned into a vase shape.         -   Tree density.—Considered medium dense for the variety. It             has been discovered that pruning the branches from the             center of the tree to obtain a resulting vase shape allows             for proper air movement in the tree, and an appropriate             amount of sunlight exposure so as to enhance fruit color             development and the renewal of fruiting wood throughout the             canopy of the tree.         -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in USDA             Hardiness Zone 9.         -   Winter chilling requirements.—The new tree requires             approximately 450 hours below 7.0 degrees C. The new variety             appears to be hardy under typical Central San Joaquin Valley             climatic conditions. -   Trunk:     -   -   Diameter.—Approximately 17.0 cm in diameter when measured at             a distance of approximately 15.24 cm above the soil level,             at the end of the fourth growing season.         -   Bark texture.—Considered moderately rough, with numerous             folds of papery scarfskin being present.         -   Lenticels.—Numerous flat, and oval lenticels are present.             The lenticels range in size from approximately 4.0 to about             6.0 millimeters in width, and from about 1.0 to about 2.0             millimeters in height. It should be noted that as the cork             (bark) of trees mature the lenticels become less apparent             and also less abundant.         -   Lenticel color.—Considered an Orange-Brown, (RHS             Greyed-Orange Group 166 D).         -   Bark coloration.—Variable, but it is generally considered to             be gray-brown, (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 174 A). -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium for the variety.         -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other nectarine tree             varieties. The branches have a diameter of about 9.0             centimeters when measured during the fourth year after             grafting.         -   Surface texture.—Average, and appearing furrowed on wood             which is several years old.         -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable             between about 50 to about 55 degrees from the horizontal             axis. This particular characteristic is not considered             distinctive of the variety due to the influence of the             variable ecological conditions and cultural practices,             however.         -   Current season shoots.—Surface texture — Substantially             glabrous.         -   Internode length.—Approximately 2.4 to about 2.5 cm. This             tree characteristic is highly dependent upon plant             nutrition, soil quality, pruning and prevailing tree care             practices, and therefore is not distinctive of the new             variety.         -   Color of mature branches.—Medium brown, (RHS Greyed-Orange             166 B).         -   Current seasons shoots.—Color — Light green, (RHS Green             Group 137 B). The color of new shoot tips is considered a             bright and shiny green (RHS Green Group 137 A). -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium for the species. Leaf measurements             have been taken from vigorous, upright, current-season             growth, at approximately the mid-shoot.         -   Leaf length.—Approximately 128.0 to about 165.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf width.—Approximately 34.0 to about 37.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf base shape.—Slightly oblique relative to the leaf             longitudinal axis.         -   Leaf form.—Lancelolate.         -   Leaf tip Form.—Beaked.         -   Leaf color.—Upper Surface — Dark green, (approximately RHS             Green Group 137 B).         -   Leaf texture.—Glabrous.         -   Leaf color.—Lower Surface — Medium green, (RHS Green Group             146 B).         -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.         -   Mid-vein.—Color — Light yellow green, (RHS Yellow-Green             Group 150 D).         -   Leaf margins.—Slightly undulating.         -   Form.—Considered crenate, occasionally doubly crenate.         -   Uniformity.—Considered generally uniform.         -   Leaf petioles.—Size — Considered long for the species.             Length — About 7.0 to about 9.0 mm. Diameter — About 1.5 to             about 2.0 mm. Color — Pale green, (RHS Yellow-Green Group             150 B).         -   Leaf glands.—Size — About 1.0 mm in height, and about 2.0 mm             in width. Number — Generally one per side, occasionally two             per side. Type — Reniform, considered reasonably unappressed             to the petiole margin, and moderately small. The glands on             more mature leaves are occasionally senescent. Color —             Orange brown, (RHS Greyed-Green Group N189 B).         -   Leaf stipules.—Size — Medium for the variety. Length —             Approximately 5.0 to 6.0 mm. Width — Approximately 1.0 to             1.5 mm. Number — Typically 2 per leaf bud, and up to 6 per             shoot tip. Form — Lanceolate in form, and having a serrated             margin. Color — Green, (RHS Green Group 141 A) when young,             but graduating to a brown color, (RHS Greyed-Orange group             177 B) with advancing senescence. The stipules are             considered to be early deciduous. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Flower buds.—Generally — The floral buds, depending upon the             stage of development, are approximately 8.0 millimeters             wide; and about 12.0 millimeters long; conic in form; and             slightly appressed relative to the bearing shoot.         -   Flower buds.—Color — The bud scales are reddish-brown,             (approximately RHS Greyed Red Group 178 A). The buds are             considered hardy under typical central San Joaquin Valley             climatic conditions.         -   Hardiness.—No winter injury has been noted during the last             several years of evaluation in the central San Joaquin             Valley. The current variety has not been intentionally             subjected to drought or heat stress, and therefore this             information is not available. The current variety is             considered to be a lower chilling requirement variety for             the region where it is currently being grown. It is possible             for this variety to experience frost damage on either the             developing flowers or small fruit due the early initiation             of the blooming period, and the further exposure of the             flowers, or developing fruit to the damaging temperatures             which are experienced during the late winter months and             after the first bloom. -   Flowers:     -   -   Blooming time.—Considered early to mid-season in relative             comparison to other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in             the central San Joaquin Valley.         -   Date of first bloom.—Feb. 19, 2013. Date of full bloom was             observed on Feb. 29, 2013. The date of first bloom varies             slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions, and             cultural practices which are employed.         -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 10 days. This             characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic             conditions.         -   Flower class.—Perfect, complete and perigynous.         -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type             flower.         -   Flower size.—The flower diameter at full bloom is             approximately 38.0 to about 42.0 millimeters.         -   Bloom quantity.—Considered very abundant.         -   Flower bud frequency.—Normally 2 flower buds appear per             node. Occasionally 3 buds per node may be observed.         -   Petal size.—Generally — Considered medium large for the             species. Length — Approximately 18.0 to about 20.0             millimeters. Width — Approximately 16.0 to about 18.0             millimeters.         -   Petal form.—Rotund to slightly ovate.         -   Petal count.—Generally 5. Occasionally individual flower             pedal counts are doubled.         -   Petal texture.—Glabrous.         -   Petal color.—Light pink, (RHS Red-Purple Group 62 B) to a             medium pink, (RHS Red-Purple Group N57 C).         -   Fragrance.—Slight.         -   Petal claw.—Form — The claw is considered truncate in shape,             and has a large size when compared to other varieties.             Length — Approximately 11.0 to about 13.0 millimeters. Width             — Approximately 10.0 to about 11.0 millimeters.         -   Petal margins.—Generally considered variable, from nearly             smooth, to moderately undulate.         -   Petal apex.—Generally — The petal apices generally appear             entire.         -   Flower pedicel.—Length — Considered medium-long, and having             an average length of approximately 5.0 to about 6.0             millimeters. Diameter — Considered average, approximately             2.0 millimeters. Color — A pale green, (RHS Greyed-Green             Group 194 B).         -   Floral nectaries.—Color — An orange brown, (RHS             Greyed-Orange Group N172 B). Calyx. Surface Texture —             Generally glabrous. Color — A dull red, (approximately RHS             Greyed-Orange Group 176 A).         -   Sepals.—Surface Texture — The surface has a short, fine,             pubescent texture. Number — Nearly always 5. Size — Average,             and ovate in form. Sepal Length — Approximately 4.0 mm to             5.0 mm. Sepal Width — Approximately 3.5 mm to 5.0 mm. Sepal             Shape — A single entire lobe. Ovatum to nearly round. Color             — A dark reddish purple, (approximately RHS Greyed-Purple             Group 183 B).         -   Anthers.—Generally — Large in size. Color — Red to reddish             purple, (approximately RHS Greyed-Purple Group 187 C) prior             to dehiscence. Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and             has a yellow color, (approximately RHS Yellow Group 11 A).         -   Fertility.—Self-fertile.         -   Filaments.—Size — Variable in length, approximately 15.0 to             about 18.0 millimeters in length. Color — Considered a pale             pink, (RHS Red-Purple Group 65 C).         -   Pistil.—Number — Normally 1, very rarely 2. Generally —             Average in size. Length — Approximately 16.0 to about 19.0             millimeters including the ovary. Color — Considered a very             pale green, (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 145 C).             Surface texture — The variety has a long glabrous pistil. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe condition (shipping             ripe). Date of first picking — Jun. 7, 2013. Date of last             picking — Jun. 15, 2013. The date of harvest varies slightly             with the prevailing climatic conditions.         -   Size.—Generally — Considered large, and uniform.         -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 70.0 to about 72.0             millimeters.         -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 72.0 to about 74.0             millimeters.         -   Typical weight.—Approximately 230.0 grams. This             characteristic is highly dependent upon the cultural             practices employed, and therefore is not particularly             distinctive of this new variety.         -   Fruit form.—Generally — Rounded to slightly oblate. The             fruit of the new variety can exhibit an extended and             prominent suture along both hemispheres.         -   Fruit suture.—Shallow, and extending from the mid-equatorial             region to the apex. No apparent callousing or stitching             exists along the suture line.         -   Suture.—Color — The background color appears to be an orange             yellow, (approximately RHS Orange Group N25 D), with a             predominant red coloration, (approximately RHS Red Group             46).         -   Ventral surface.—Form — Full.         -   Apex.—Shape — Rounded.         -   Base.—Form — Retuse.         -   Stem cavity.—Rounded and relatively shallow. The average             depth of the stem cavity is about 18.0 mm. The average width             of the stem cavity is about 2.00 mm.         -   Fruit skin.—Thickness — Considered medium in thickness, and             tenacious to the flesh. Surface Texture — Glabrous. Taste —             A slight astringency can be detected. Tendency to crack —             Cracking has not been observed. Russeting has not been             observed to date.         -   Color.—Blush Color — The blush color is variable from a             medium red, (approximately RHS Red Group 44 A) to a dark             red, (approximately RHS Red Group 46 A). The observed blush             color ranges from 85% to about 95% of the fruit surface             depending upon the sunlight exposure, and the prevailing             climate, canopy development and growing conditions.         -   Ground color.—Generally a deep yellow, (approximately RHS             Orange Group N25 D).         -   Fruit stem.—Moderate in length, approximately 7.0 to about             9.0 millimeters. Diameter — Approximately 2.0 to about 2.5             millimeters. Color — Light tan, ((approximately) RHS             Greyed-Orange Group 164 D).         -   Flesh.—Ripens — Evenly. Texture — Firm, and dense. Overall             the fruit is considered firm melting. Fibers — Few, small,             and tender ones are apparent. Aroma — Slight. Eating Quality             — Considered good. Flavor — Considered sweet, acidic, and             pleasant. Juice — Moderate. Brix — About 13.5 degrees. This             characteristic varies slightly with the number of fruit per             tree; the prevailing cultural practices; and the surrounding             climatic conditions. Flesh Color — Yellow, (approximately             RHS Yellow-Orange Group 17 C). -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Clingstone.         -   Size.—Considered medium large for the variety. The stone             size varies with the resulting crop load, and tree vigor,             and is therefore is not considered a distinguishing             characteristic of this new variety.         -   Length.—Average, about 27.0 to about 31.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Average, about 22.0 to about 25.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Average, about 17.0 to about 22.0 millimeters.         -   Stone form.—Obovoid.         -   Stone base.—The stone is relatively uniform in its margin             relative to the stone's vertical axis.         -   Apex.—Shape — The stone apex is relatively smooth with a             significant recess being observed near the apex, and             extending approximately 5.0 mm along the dorsal edge             thereof.         -   Stone surface.—Surface Texture — Substantial pitting is             evident, in general, from the base and past the equatorial             plane. Grooving is usually observed along the pit margin             near the tip, and on the ventral side. Ridges — The surface             texture is generally rounded. Ventral Edge — Width —             Considered medium, and having a dimension of approximately             4.0 to about 7.0 millimeters when measured at the             mid-suture. Dorsal Edge — Shape — Full, heavily grooved, and             having relatively smooth edges.         -   Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is tan             (Greyed-Orange Group approximately RHS 172 B). The stone as             seen in the photo as provided with the present application             is freshly exposed and can occasionally exhibit darkening             hues which are the result of oxidation.         -   Tendency to split.—Rarely splits have been observed.         -   Kernel.—Generally — The kernel, when the fruit is picking             ripe, is not completely mature when compared to kernels of             fruit varieties with a greater development period.         -   Form.—Considered ovoid.         -   Pellicle.—Pubescent.         -   Color.—Considered to be a pale tan (Greyed-Yellow Group 162             D).         -   Use.—The subject variety ‘Burnecttwentynine’ is considered             to be a Nectarine tree which matures early in the season,             and which further produces fruit, which are considered firm,             attractively colored, flavorful and which are useful for             both local and long distance shipping.         -   Keeping quality.—Excellent. Fruit has stored well for up to             30 days after harvest at 1.0 degree Celsius.         -   Shipping quality.—Good. The fruit of the new nectarine tree             variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh, or skin             damage, after being subjected to normal harvest and packing             procedures.         -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular             susceptibilities were noted. The present variety has not             been tested to expose or detect any susceptibilities or             resistances to any known plant and/or fruit diseases.             Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the             described characteristics when grown under the ecological             conditions prevailing near Fowler, Calif., in the central             part of the San Joaquin Valley of California, it should be             understood that variations of the usual magnitude and             characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions,             fertilization, pruning, pest control and horticultural             management are to be expected. 

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety nectarine tree, what we claim is new and desire to secure by plant Letters Patent is:
 1. A new distinct variety of nectarine tree, substantially as illustrated and described, and which is characterized principally as to novelty by producing an attractively colored, yellow-fleshed, firm-melting, acidic clingstone nectarine which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately June 7 to June 15 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. 